September 9, 2004

Visa Wait Times at U.S. Consulates Abroad

The Department of State (DOS) has introduced an online system that allows visa applicants to check the current wait times for obtaining a non-immigrant visa interview at any of the U.S. consulates abroad. The system also provides an estimated time for the issuance of the visa. The link to the DOS site to determine wait times is http://travel.state.gov/visa/tempvisitors_wait.php. The DOS recommends that applicants continue to review the Embassy's consular section website for specific information on the visa application process for that location. For specific consular websites, please refer to the following link: http://usembassy.state.gov/. It is important to use these sites as guidelines only and be aware that visa issuance can take longer than the estimated timeframe. Applicants should contact their attorney for specific advice regarding their individual travel plans prior to travel.

Greenberg Traurig will continue to provide information on visa processing issues abroad as it becomes available.